Environment and Social Justice

Overview

Environmental damage takes a high toll on the wealth of nations and citizen well-being. This is particularly so in developing countries which generally have weak, inappropriate laws and enforcement institutions. In attempts to attract foreign direct investment, such countries tend to resort to quick fix solutions failing to ensure due processes are followed. Under such circumstances, violations of fundamental human rights, denial of access to environmental investments, failure to ensure equitable benefit…

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Environmental damage takes a high toll on the wealth of nations and citizen well-being. This is particularly so in developing countries which generally have weak, inappropriate laws and enforcement institutions. In attempts to attract foreign direct investment, such countries tend to resort to quick fix solutions failing to ensure due processes are followed.Under such circumstances, violations of fundamental human rights, denial of access to environmental investments, failure to ensure equitable benefit sharing, denial of access to information, denial of opportunities for participation in decision making, and denial of justice in environment-related matters become commonplace.

Local communities particularly the poor and marginalized, such as women, children, youth, the elderly, and minority ethnic groups end up suffering disproportionately at the local, regional (sub-national), or national levels from environmental risks or hazards resulting from these.

ILEG’s Environment and Social Justice Programme aims to safeguard the natural resources-related rights of these vulnerable groups. It seeks to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of social status, gender, culture, religion, race, age or national origin in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.